First Amendment protects porn surfers in NYC libraries

Starr Keshet, 25th April 2011

Library patrons who publicly surf for porn in NYC libraries are officially protected by the First Amendment.

"Customers can watch whatever they want on the computer," Brooklyn Public Library spokeswoman Malika Granville told the New York Post.

New York Public Library spokeswoman Angela Montefinise expressed similar sentiments, noting that "in deference to the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech, the New York Public Library cannot prevent adult patrons from accessing adult content that is legal."

As expected, the official policy statements about the long-tolerated activity has caused caused outrage amongst both religious organizations and New Yorkers who regularly visit local library branches.

"What they're doing is publicly funding an appetite for the most debased fare available," claimed Catholic League President Bill Donohue.

"It's not like a Playboy centerfold anymore - it's far worse."

Meanwhile, 60-year-old library patron Daisy Nazario said she was recently "grossed out" by an "elderly porn watcher" in the Brooklyn Central Library - although he was using library-provided extensions to block the screen.

"I could still hear the [loud] voices... It is very disrespectful to the children."